Early Voting Numbers Proving Low Election Turnout Expectations

INDIANAPOLIS - Early voting numbers are beginning to confirm expectations that turnout for Tuesday’s local elections will be very, very low.

In-person early voting is down 43 percent through the past three-and-a-half weeks, compared to our last local election cycle four years ago, according to the Marion County clerk's office. Requests for absentee ballots are down a third, though that margin is shrinking because of late requests.

At this time last year, 16,328 people had voted early or requested a ballot through the mail. Deputy clerk Russell Harris told WFYI Friday morning that 10,125 people had done that so far this year. His office has received 3,728 completed vote-by-mail ballots for a 56 percent return rate.

In 2011, Republican Mayor Greg Ballard held off a strong challenge from Democrat Melina Kennedy. This year it’s an open race between Democrat Joe Hogsett and Republican Chuck Brewer, but the race has gained little buzz. State and federal elections will be held next year.

Read more:

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• Makeup of City-County Council will change no matter what

Early voting is available over the weekend at the clerk's office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It ends at noon on Monday. Motor vehicle offices will be open late Monday, until 8 p.m. and early Tuesday at 6 a.m. to help people get the proper identification needed to vote on Tuesday.